Endometriosis Surgery Preparations
Help me feel prepared and ready…
This blog post will be covering the necessary preparations prior to the endometriosis laparoscopic procedure. Along with lovely ideas to help keep your spirits up. If you have stumbled upon this post, you may be preparing for endo surgery, curious about it, or wanting to help a loved one prepare. You are at the right place!
Things to do before laparoscopic procedure (in no particular order):
Get insurance (most health insurances covers laparoscopic procedures)
Ensure insurance is updated - verify costs with your health insurance
Review your health care policy for overnight stays (I paid a little extra to have my own room! SO WORTH IT!)
Line up support for: day of procedure (drive you), upon discharge (drive you), and at least the first couple of weeks. (especially if you have children, do you have someone who can help during the day? It’s okay to ask for help!)
Get a massage if you want and can
Get your grocery shopping done prior to surgery. P.s. you’ll want easy digestible foods for the first few weeks
Plan out some meals for you and your family (food prep/pre-cook what you can, freezer bags for daily crock pot recipes, lay out items and have baskets for each day, easy soups ready to go, snacks)
Download shows and podcasts to help pass the time while in the hospital or post op at home
Increase your movement/exercise - prep the heart and body for the surgery stress and the fact you wont be able to move around much post op (BUT DO TRY!)
Remind your partner/friend to have their phone on loud if you need to chat/feel worried during the night. I got really nervous one night when I saw several little bubbles in my IV line. I called in the nurse after and she said it was fine. So far I’m alive.
Remove all nail polish (requirement for procedure)
Review all your medical paperwork about the procedure :)
A few items to purchase before surgery:
Larger pads
Dry shampoo
Gas-x (it help tremendously due to the gas they pump into your abdomen during surgery)
Stool softeners, magnesium (necessary, trust)
Heating pad (the heat helps with the gas!!!)
At the hospital I used the little hand/pocket packets you can buy to place on my stomach and chest.
Non-slip socks, fuzzy comfy socks
A new blanket or pillow (create the space and vibes you love to keep your spirits high post surgery.
Loose sweat pants or shorts/pj’s (you don’t want anything too constricting - it took nearly 3 weeks for me to get back into wearing my yoga pants!)
Loose underwear
Consider purchasing a bed tray or side table that can slide under your bed to have your meals and drinks nearby. I’d opt for a side table over bed tray as you won’t want much on your abdomen but think about what you may use long term.
Electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade (help keep things balanced as you recover)
Buy a book or a magazine you are super excited about to start post op
If you paint your nails, find a color that excites you for post surgery to help keep spirits high
24 hours before surgery
If you can, make the day before surgery all about you! Take the day before to ensure you have everything you need and let your mind feel at ease. Take a warm bath or hot shower, go slow and enjoy it! Go for a good long walk or get in some exercise you might miss it post op! Increase water intake and enjoy a good hearty/yummy meal. (you’ll need to fast up to 8-10 hours before your surgery). Do all the loving radiant self care things!!! Heck get your hair done if you want to!
What to pack for overnight stays post surgery
If you have been told you’ll stay the night for a day or two, here are a few things you should pack.
Loose sweatpants or shorts
Loose underwear
Oversized shirts
Sweater
Cardigan
Non-slip socks, slippers
Face masks (COVID)
Blanket
Extra pillow to help position your body comfortably on a hospital bed (such a blessing) + it’s helpful in the car (lay on your abdomen) when you go home!!
Hygiene Pads
Dry shampoo
Lip balm
Hair ties, headbands
Deodorant
Heating pad/small pocket bags (the ones you see in the winter time!)
Lotion
Lacrosse ball (use on your feet while standing - help with tension)
A book
Magazine
Journal
Laptop, ipad (Netflix) & chargers
Hope this was helpful for you!! When you get things ready to go, I’d love to see your duffle bag! Feel free to tag or message me directly on Instagram!
IG: @Kelliembecker or comment/share photo below.
Much love,